Governor Sentences Death Penalty to DeathGov. John Corzine has abolished the death penalty in New Jersey, the first state in 40 years to do so. State Sen. Ray Lesniak, a Democrat, and Clay Richards, of Quinnipiac University, discuss the landmark decision and whether other states will follow suit.

New Jersey Gov. John Corzine (D) signs legislation to end the death penalty in New Jersey.
Getty Images
hide caption

toggle caption

Getty Images

Gov. John Corzine has abolished the death penalty in New Jersey, the first state in 40 years to end capitol punishment. The landmark move is being hailed by death penalty opponents around the world, but condemned by many conservatives as a sign of weakness in a world beset by terrorism and other dangers.

New Jersey State Sen. Ray Lesniak, a Democrat, is joined by Clay Richards, assistant director of Quinnipiac University's Polling Institute, to discuss the landmark decision and whether other states will follow suit. The institute did extensive polling in the state on the subject.